Scholarship Awarding University:
Type of degree:
Bachelor’s
Scholarship Deadline:
Applications for this scholarship will end on the
Scholarship Summary:
The UBC International Scholars Program is for international students who have demonstrated leadership qualities, exceptional contributions to their communities, have outstanding academic performance, and require meaningful financial support to attend UBC.
Scholarship Applicant Criteria:
The following are criteria for eligibility;
i. You must be an international student who will be studying in Canada on a Canadian study permit.
ii. You must be entering UBC from a recognized secondary school, or transferring from your first year at a post-secondary college or other university.
iii. You must have graduated from high school no earlier than the month of June one year prior to the academic year you are applying to. For example, applicants for 2026 Winter session must have graduated from high school no earlier than November 2024.
iv. You must be applying for your first undergraduate degree.
v. You must demonstrate superior academic achievement (achieve all As or equivalent standard).
vi. You must demonstrate a level of financial need that would otherwise prevent you from pursuing a UBC degree. (If you apply to the International Scholars Program, you will not be considered for merit-based scholarships)
vii. You must meet UBC’s admission requirements, including general and degree-specific requirements and the English Language Admission Standard.
You will be considered for the Vantage One Excellence Award if:
i. All previous eligibility criteria apply, except you must not yet meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard for direct admission to UBC.
ii. You must meet the UBC Vantage College admission requirements, including the English requirements for Vantage College.
iii. You must be coming directly from high school
iv. You must be beginning your undergraduate studies at UBC in the UBC Vantage One Program.
Value of Scholarship:
The UBC International Scholar's Awards are namely as follows;
A. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
This award recognizes international undergraduate students who demonstrate superior academic achievement, exceptional leadership skills, involvement in student affairs and community service, and recognized achievement in other key areas.
B. Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
This award recognizes outstanding international undergraduate students from impoverished or war-torn areas who have achieved academic excellence under challenging circumstances, and who would be unable to attend university without significant financial assistance.
C. International Impact Award
This award is offered to exceptional students who have expressed commitment to and solutions for social justice issues, climate change, equity and inclusion, societal health and wellness, and freedom of expression.
D. Vantage One Excellence Award
This award is offered by UBC Vantage College for academically outstanding international students who do not yet meet the English Language Admission Standard for direct admission to UBC. The awards range in value up to the full cost of a student’s academic program and living expenses.
Your award may be renewed for up to three additional years of undergraduate study or to degree completion – whichever comes first – provided you achieve satisfactory academic standing in your faculty, continue to demonstrate financial need, and maintain your Canadian study permit (student visa).
Scholarship Application Guide:
To apply;
1.
Mid- September: Decide on your academic program/campus
- Decide on the academic program you want to study, and which campus you want to choose. For the awards, you will be considered for your first choice program. You should still select a second choice program.
2.
Late September: Decide on a nominator/referee
- You’ll need 1 nominator (guidance counsellor, principal, administrator, etc.) and 1 teacher referee. The nominator and teacher referee must be different people. Your teacher referee should be someone who is familiar with you and your work in your chosen area of study. Your nominator should be able to speak to your educational goals and your character.
- A high school, college, university, or registered non-profit organization may nominate up to two students for UBC Vancouver (including Vantage College), and one student for UBC Okanagan. If the applicant is nominated by a non-profit the nomination will count towards the total nominations permitted from a student’s school.
3.
Early October: Discuss your nomination and create an account
- Let your nominator and teacher referee know the following: You will send them an email asking for them to provide their recommendation (you’ll need their contact information)
- Your campus of choice
- There is a limit of nominations for each campus (see eligibility for details)
- The nominator and teacher recommendations need to be completed and submitted a few days before the deadline.
- After, create your application account and invite your nominator and referee to complete their forms.
- Follow up with them to make sure they’ve received the invitation. Please note, you cannot complete your award application until both the nominator and teacher referee form have been completed and submitted.
4.
Early October: Start your UBC admissions application
- Start your UBC Admissions Application. This is required for your International Scholars Program application.
Mid-October: Gather relevant information for application and complete your sections of the award application; complete your sections of the award application
You’ll be asked for information like:
- Annual income and expenses
- Family wealth and assets
- Dependents and annual school fees
- Sources of financial support
- Calculate your family contributions and financial need using the cost estimator
- Extra curricular information
- Awards
- 4 essay questions (approximately 150-250 words)
- This will be a very in-depth process, so make sure you give yourself time to gather your financial information and time to fill out the application itself.
6.
By Above Deadline: Submit your completed application
- The International Scholars is due by the above deadline. It’s recommended to submit well in advance of this deadline in case of technical difficulties.
7.
By December 1: Apply to UBC
- You must have submitted your online application for admission to UBC.
8.
By January 31: Submit required documents
- Several weeks after you apply to UBC, you will receive an email with the subject line “Your UBC Application – Next Steps” from the UBC Undergraduate Admissions Office.
- Follow the instructions in that message to submit any documents required to evaluate your application. As a UBC International Scholars Program applicant, your document deadline is January 31 and not the date listed in the “Your UBC Application – Next Steps” email. If your required transcripts/ high school academic certificates are not available by January 31, submit them as soon as they are available.
9.
Mid-April: Check your email to learn if you have received an award
- In mid-April, UBC will let you know if you have received an award. Be sure to check your email to find out. If you plan to apply for UBC Housing, please wait until the award decisions are released before applying for residence. The deadline to apply for housing is May 1.
Scholarship Website:
Find further information on this scholarship opportunity at the UBC International Undergraduate Scholars Program Page.